Cathay Pacific Airways reported it plans to expand its aircraft fleet with 32 narrow-body jets from Airbus – a combination of A321neo and A320neo jets. At list prices the acquisition could be worth about $3.8 billion, depending on the buyer’s selection of the two models and not accounting for typical discounting in such purchases.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, including subsidiary budget airline HK Express and cargo carrier Air Hong Kong, provides passenger and cargo services to 81 destinations worldwide.
The group said it will take deliveries of the new aircraft by 2029, and they will be added to the current inventory of both Cathay Pacific and its affiliate HK Express, serving regional and Chinese domestic routes.
Airbus’ mid-range, narrow-body A320neo (new engine option) jets are the world’s best-selling aircraft series, updated from an earlier design to achieve up to 20 percent savings on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and to reduce engine noise by up to 50 percent versus the earlier A320 variants. Operators may choose CFM LEAP engines or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines to as the power source for the single-aisle jets.
"These aircraft feature the latest technological enhancements to provide a quieter, more comfortable, and more fuel-efficient journey for our customers," stated Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam.
Airbus has not confirmed the order, which when it is completed will bring Cathay’s total for outstanding orders to 56 new aircraft.
Cathay Pacific has 21 Airbus A321neo aircraft in service now, with two remaining to be delivered from earlier orders.
